In 2006, Koren Robinson thought he'd seen the end of his
chances while sitting in a jail cell, in prison on probation violating charges stemming
from a high speed DUI, and just the last in a string of alcohol induced
incidents that have plagued his troubled career since his start as a 20 year
old first round draft pick with the Seahawks.

Robinson, released by the Seahawks after numerous suspensions
for team infractions and alcohol issues, had already served a day in jail, and
had completed a stint in alcohol rehab before starting anew with Minnesota in 2005.

He had married and said that his wild days were behind him,
a statement undone in 2006 when arrested yet again for a DUI, and sentenced to
two 90 day prison terms, and suspended from the league for an entire season.

Robinson states that it was while in prison, reading
newspaper commentary on his behavior that he decided he needed a real change,
deciding that alcohol was not worth the costs to his career and family, and
making a commitment to give it up.

After his release from prison, yet while under suspension,
Robinson received an invite to meet with Packers GM Ted Thompson. Neither men
have reported what was said during the meeting, but both have described it as
an honest and emotional session, and Thompson has reported that it gave him a
real measure of Robinson, as a man.

Bret Farvre, who has had his own trials with pain killer addiction,
befriended Robinson during his year-long league suspension, calling him
frequently, supporting his recovery and progress and enlisting his personal
trainer in Arizona
to help Robinson stay game ready with daily work outs during his downtime.

Early this season, Robinson met League commissioner Roger
Goodell at an Arizona Cardinals game, and asked to be reinstated; after
embracing, Goodell agreed, and shortly thereafter Robinson lined up with the Packers,
playing the last half of the season at kick returner and receiver – now ready
to achieve the redemption he's been looking for as he fights with his new
teammates in this Sunday's NFC championship game.

Robinson says he stays sober through a combination of counseling,
medication and faith, and that he's grateful for yet another "second
chance" a chance he's determined to make good on.

Helpful Reading:

One of the finest compliments I receive from recovering alcoholics is that despite the fact that I am not an alcoholic, I understand how their minds work. I have profound respect for all the old sayings in AA. Some are open to interpretation - the "insanity of our disease" is a literal statement.

What do you do when the person you love gets consumed by a disease (addiction) that's beyond your control? How do we know when it's time to leave and how do you manage to adjust to life without your actively addicted partner?